Category: Business
Understanding the Debt Ceiling Debate (Ep. 15)

Understanding the Debt Ceiling Debate (Ep. 15)

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Have you ever wondered how the recent debt ceiling debate affects your financial goals and long-term plans?

Join Jon and Brent as they unravel the complex web of personal and public debt, providing essential insights and thought-provoking perspectives. The duo explores proposed solutions to address the alarming levels of debt and offers valuable insights into how you can proactively approach your own financial planning. 

Jon and Brent discuss:

  • The role of Congress in controlling spending and borrowing
  • The current debt ceiling limits and their implications
  • The relationship between the national debt and the gross domestic product (GDP)
  • The proposed solutions to address the unsustainable levels of debt and what you should be thinking about as it relates to your finances
  • And more

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ESG Investing: Exploring the Complexities of Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors (Ep. 14)

ESG Investing: Exploring the Complexities of Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors (Ep. 14)

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ESG investing is becoming increasingly popular, and this episode explores why.

In this episode, Brent Connelly and Jon Schuetz, delve into the complexities of ESG investing and discuss how investors can navigate the environmental, social, and governance landscape.

They explore how factors such as air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy management play into ESG investing. They also unpack the good, the bad, and the confusing parts of ESG investing.

Jon and Brent discuss:

  • What E.S.G. stands for 
  • Different aspects of ESG investing
  • How environmental, social and governance considerations play into this strategy
  • The challenges investors face when navigating ESG investing
  • And more!

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Socially responsible investing involves the exclusion of certain securities for nonfinancial reasons. This may result in the investor forgoing some market opportunities that may have been available to those not subject to such criteria. There is no guarantee that any investment goal will be met.

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Crafting a Lifestyle Management Business with Denise Craft (Ep. 13)

Crafting a Lifestyle Management Business with Denise Craft (Ep. 13)

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Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build a successful life full of happiness and purpose.

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Craft, founder of Craft Lifestyle Management, to discuss her incredible career journey. From waitressing and bartending to managing a truck repair shop, Denise’s story from humble beginnings to building a successful company can motivate you to strive for success no matter your situation.

Denise shares:

  • Her early career experiences, including waitressing and managing a truck repair shop 
  • Her launch of Craft Lifestyle Management – a lifestyle management and fitness coaching business for the elderly and those with special needs or veterans with a disability
  • Some of the challenges she faced along the way 
  • The unique approach she takes in her business
  • And more

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About Our Guest:

Denise Craft is President of Craft LifeStyle Management, a company she founded in 1988. Today, Craft LifeStyle Management is known for delivering exceptional services nationwide to clients and their families in times of transition.

She is a sought-after transitional expert. Denise and her team assist in transitioning veterans, special needs adults, aging adults and rehab patients into the correct level of care within a living environment or community and coordinate with all parties for best fit financially, physically and emotionally.

She is widely recognized as advocating for those in crisis because of age, injury or mental or physical disability. Craft LifeStyle Management thrives on assisting clients as they jointly navigate each step in the transition process.

She has a special place in her heart for those who collect excessive treasures through hoarding. Craft LifeStyle Management uses time-tested techniques to simplify the process with an understanding, compassionate approach.

Denise and her team exemplify expertise, care and kindness, always.

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Navigating Medicare With Charisse Engels (Ep. 12)

Navigating Medicare With Charisse Engels (Ep. 12)

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Are you or someone you know struggling to navigate the complexities of Medicare? Charisse Engels, Licensed Health Insurance Agent at Illuminate Insurance Solutions, LLC, joins us this week and shares her experience to help you make informed decisions and avoid costly penalties.

Charisse breaks down the different parts of Medicare and emphasizes the need for individuals to work with licensed agents to understand their options and make the right decisions. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Medicare and its critical role in providing health coverage for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Charisse discusses:

  • What Medicare is and all the costs associated with it
  • Why it’s important to work with a licensed agent to navigate Medicare and understand your options
  • The penalties associated with failing to sign up for Medicare when first eligible
  • Why it’s important to understand Medicare and its options to make an informed decision
  • And more!

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About Our Guest: 

Charisse Engels is a licensed agent whose passion is helping others and being inclusive to all people. Encouraged to become a licensed agent by the founder, Wendy Salinas, Charisse stepped up to this challenge with full force. Today, Charisse runs Illuminate Insurance and is happy to answer any questions about your insurance coverage.

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From Homelessness to Entrepreneurship with Liz Dein (Ep. 11)

From Homelessness to Entrepreneurship with Liz Dein (Ep. 11)

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Get ready to be inspired by Liz’s incredible journey from homelessness to being a successful business owner!

Liz shares her story of being a homeless single mother, forced to leave with only one bag of belongings and no money. Despite facing tremendous hardship, Liz persevered, working at a steakhouse and eventually enrolling in cosmetology school. With the help of state programs and support from others, Liz was able to complete her degree and start her successful career.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Liz Dein, the owner of Liz Henne Studios, to hear about her path to becoming a professional cosmetologist and why it is important for financial planners to understand the motivation behind what people want to do with their money.

Liz discusses:

  • How she went from a homeless single mother to a professional cosmetologist
  • What she sacrificed to get to where she is today
  • The people who helped her along the way 
  • The state programs and opportunities she took advantage of to survive
  • And more!

Resources: 

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From Cars to Chariots: A Road Less Traveled with Jason Hurt (Ep. 10)

From Cars to Chariots: A Road Less Traveled with Jason Hurt (Ep. 10)

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How do you navigate your career path while staying true to your passions and beliefs?

In this episode, we talk to Jason Hurt, President at Chariots4Hope, to discuss his journey from a job in sports marketing to founding a nonprofit organization. Jason attributes his success to the discipline he learned at GEICO and the support and guidance he received.

He highlights how his introduction to Christian Brothers Automotive led him to discover his passion for helping people in need, which eventually led him to start Chariots4Hope.

Jason discusses:

  • His journey from a successful career at GEICO to now being the founder of a nonprofit
  • Chariots4Hope and their mission to remove transportation barriers for people in need
  • How he was able to overcome challenges in his career and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset
  • Why he sold his Christian Brothers Automotive business to start Chariots4Hope
  • And more!

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About Our Guest:

Jason Hurt and his wife Michelle Hurt are the founders of Chariots4Hope. After living on Long Island, NY for several years, they felt called by God to move to Omaha, where they started a small business together. After leaving the fast paced corporate life in the Big Apple, it was a blessing to have several months of downtime while they waited for their business to be built. Originally from the St. Louis area, they were very excited to get back to the MidWest.

A few years after opening their small business, their hearts started exploding for single mothers without transportation. It was during this season that Chariots4Hope was born!

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The Importance of Personalized Financial Planning and Avoiding Blanket Advice (Ep. 9)

The Importance of Personalized Financial Planning and Avoiding Blanket Advice (Ep. 9)

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Given the potential harm of providing blanket advice that may not suit everyone, tailoring financial advice to an individual’s unique financial situation is crucial.

In this episode, financial advisors Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly provide insights into some of the prevalent misconceptions in the financial community. They highlight the significance of personalized financial planning and offer tips on avoiding one-size-fits-all advice.

Jon and Brent discuss the risks associated with blanket advice, the purpose of annuities, the meaning of a fiduciary relationship, the debate surrounding gold investment, and the usage of scare tactics in stock commercials, among other topics.

Jon and Brent discuss:

  • The potential harm of providing blanket financial advice 
  • The significance of understanding the purpose and implications of annuities in financial planning
  • The importance of comprehending the fiduciary responsibility that financial advisors have toward their clients
  • The risk of investing all funds in a single stock in a portfolio
  • The use of scare tactics in stock commercials and their potential to mislead investors
  • And more

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Promoting Positivity Through the World of Communications with Brandi Petersen Paul (Ep. 8)

Promoting Positivity Through the World of Communications with Brandi Petersen Paul (Ep. 8)

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Are you considering moving into a career that would allow you to spend more time with your family and wondering if it’s the right thing to do? 

Jon Schuetz and Brent Connelly talk to Brandi Petersen Paul, a former successful television news anchor with KETV. She moved from a role that most people covet to become the director of communications for Westside Community Schools to spend more time with her family. 

In this episode, Brandi discusses how she continues to pursue her passion for telling inspiring stories through everything she does. Additionally, she highlights the importance of having financial advisors guide you from a young age to achieve your long-term and retirement goals.

Brandi discusses:

  • The importance of family and finding balance in your career
  • The power of hard work and taking control of your opportunities
  • The value of telling inspiring stories and making a positive impact
  • Why you should make sound financial decisions early on for long-term success
  • And more

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About Our Guest:

Brandi (Petersen) Paul is a former television news anchor with KETV-Newswatch 7, who continues to promote positive people, events and opportunities through the world of communications. As an award-winning journalist, Brandi covered historic events across Nebraska and Iowa, secured high-profile interviews, and traveled throughout the United States and beyond to share powerful stories. That mission to share inspiring stories continued at Westside Community Schools where Brandi is currently the Director of Communications and Engagement, building public trust with valued stakeholders and providing transparency and understanding with all staff and families. Telling stories continues to be a personal as well as career passion; Brandi writes on her blog, Anchor’s Away, and cohosts the Question Marks podcast. She loves to read and is an avid baseball fan (always cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Atlanta Braves!) Her most cherished moments are any spent with her husband, Brian, their two little boys, Easton and Evan, and their two bulldogs, Chester and Abe.

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Rising to the Top: The Inspiring Journey of Ingrid Geiseman (Ep. 7)

Rising to the Top: The Inspiring Journey of Ingrid Geiseman (Ep. 7)

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Get motivated and inspired as we welcome the remarkable Ingrid Geiseman, Professional Clothier with Tom James, to the show today. 

In this episode, Ingrid joins Jon and Brent to discuss her journey from growing up on a farm in Nebraska to becoming a successful clothier.

Ingrid shares how she learned to run a business at a young age, her studies at the University of Nebraska, and how to master sales. 

Ingrid discusses:

  • How she got started in the fashion industry, including her early experiences and education
  • The skills and mindset she learned while working with the Southwestern Advantage Company, including sales and perseverance
  • The challenges and opportunities she faced while building her business and the lessons she learned along the way
  • The importance of hard work and determination, and how she has used these qualities to succeed in her career
  • And more

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About our Guest: 

Ingrid Geiseman is a seasoned clothier with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. Ingrid started her journey with Tom James of Chicago in 2003 before transitioning to Tom James of Omaha in 2007. She is proud to have earned several accolades throughout her career, including membership in the President’s Merit Club, President’s Honor Club, President’s Club, and President’s Cabinet.

Ingrid holds a Bachelor of Journalism Degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she honed her skills and received a solid education. Growing up in Leigh Community Schools and attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln allowed Ingrid to gain a well-rounded perspective and a passion for helping others.

Ingrid’s primary goal is to help simplify her clients’ lives by providing them with quality clothing and exceptional service.

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Story of Perseverance with Dr. Vanessa Wieseler (Ep. 6)

Story of Perseverance with Dr. Vanessa Wieseler (Ep. 6)

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Starting a business can be challenging, especially in a small town. But with the help of a financial advisor, you can achieve your goals. 

Meet Vanessa Wieseler, a Doctor of Chiropractic, who is determined to make a difference. She understands the importance of professional guidance, inspiration, and what it takes to reach success. 

In this episode, Dr. Vanessa shares her journey through entrepreneurship, what she’s learned along the way, how she overcame a dark place in her life, and the inspiration that got her into the position she is in today.

Dr. Vanessa discusses:

  • How growing up in a small town impacted her career decision
  • What it was like to overcome cancer
  • The financial mistakes she made and how business owners can avoid them
  • The financial advice she received and her relationship with money
  • And more

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About our Guest:

Dr. Vanessa Wieseler is a small town Kansas girl who took a leap of faith to become a chiropractor. Growing up in Fredonia, Kansas, Vanessa had a typical small town upbringing. She had a variety of jobs throughout her childhood and teenage years, but she always had an interest in the medical field. Vanessa attended Kansas University, where she started out studying pharmacy but eventually pivoted to become a Chiropractor. After graduating from Cleveland Chiropractic College, Vanessa decided to start her practice in Omaha, Nebraska. 

As her business and personal life were going well a few years ago, she received a devastating diagnosis of cancer. She is doing well now and continues to inspire others with her story of perseverance and determination.

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